Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolated polynucleotide encoding homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 (HD-ZIP protein 22) from the plants Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis and corresponding polypeptide derived thereof. The present invention also relates to the plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a homeobox-leucine zipper HAT22 polypeptide or a homologue thereof, which has the ability to modify, preferably to increase/enhance, the fiber length, plant height, and/or plant biomass. More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides having homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The present invention further provides vectors, expression constructs and host cells comprising and/or consisting of the nucleotide sequences of the homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 (HD-ZIP protein 22).

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated polynucleotides encoding WUSCHEL-related homeobox4 proteins from two species of jute plants, namely, the Corchorus olitorius (“C. olitorius”) and Corchorus capsularis (“C. capsularis”), and corresponding polypeptides derived therefrom. The disclosed polynucleotide sequences encode WUSCHEL-related homeobox4 polypeptides (WOX4), which possess catalytic activities in enhancing fiber production in jute. The present invention also relates to the plants having a modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a WOX4 polypeptide, which have enhanced fiber yield relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. Vectors, expression constructs and host cells comprising and/or consisting of the nucleotide sequences of the protein are also provided. Also disclosed are methods for producing the proteins and methods for modifying the proteins in order to improve their desirable characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolated polynucleotide encoding homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 (HD-ZIP protein 22) from the plants Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis and corresponding polypeptide derived thereof. The present invention also relates to the plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a homeobox-leucine zipper HAT22 polypeptide or a homologue thereof, which has the ability to modify, preferably to increase/enhance, the fiber length, plant height, and/or plant biomass. More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides having homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The present invention further provides vectors, expression constructs and host cells comprising and/or consisting of the nucleotide sequences of the homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 (HD-ZIP protein 22).